In the tide of global economic integration, international security issues have increasingly become an important issue related to the survival and development of enterprises. When we talk about the safety of overseas projects and personnel, an emerging force that cannot be ignored is gradually emerging – and that is private military companies (PMCs). From Russia's well-known Wagner Group to Britain's sprawling G4S to America's once-controversial Blackwater, private military forces have played an increasingly important role on the world stage.
Today, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese companies are expanding their presence around the world, especially in resource-rich but politically complex and unstable security areas. The ensuing security challenges are all the more urgent. At a seminar co-sponsored by the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce and the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing, experts and scholars reportedly conducted in-depth discussions on how to ensure the safety of personnel of Chinese overseas companies and enterprises.
The seminar was attended by industry giants such as CEFC Zhongan Group, one of the largest companies in China, Anbang Escort Group, a company listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and Dulwich International Security, a subsidiary of Frontier Services Group, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. They represent China's growing strength and diversity in the private military and security sector.
Li Xiaopeng, executive director of Vanguard Services Group, pointed out in an interview, "Traditional security challenges persist in regions such as West Asia, Africa and Latin America, and Chinese companies face many existential challenges in such an unstable international environment. He is right, from oil fields in West Asia to mines in Africa to infrastructure projects in Latin America, there are potential risks hidden behind every project.
According to Zhang Yuzhuo, director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, over the past decade, Belt and Road projects have covered more than 100 countries and invested in more than 5,000 projects. These projects not only have a profound impact on the local economic and social development, but also require huge investment and human resource support. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, about 47,000 Chinese companies working overseas employ a total of 4.1 million employees, including a large number of foreign employees.
However, when operating in a wide range of locations around the world, there are many risks associated with Chinese employees and projects. In Pakistan, for example, there was a recent terrorist attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers. Although the attackers were eventually subdued and eliminated, this still highlights that overseas security is an urgent problem for Chinese companies.
In addition to relying on local governments to provide protection and the country's military to provide support, private security companies may be able to offer more flexible, efficient, and depoliticized solutions. Private military and security organizations with strong and professional capabilities can effectively avoid problems such as poor protection or slow response due to political sensitivities, and ensure that Chinese companies and their employees are more thoroughly and directly protected.
"With the revival of the ancient Silk Road, private military companies will undoubtedly be the most feasible and efficient way to ensure the safety of infrastructure and personnel," said Russian military expert Goncharov. He added: "Although China's private security industry is still in the development stage compared to Russia and the UK, its potential is huge. ”
With the increasing overseas investment, China's private military and security industry is expected to develop rapidly in terms of scale, operating system and service quality, and gradually improve its own framework. In the future, there may be a "Chinese version" of the Wagner Group, which will focus on high-risk regions such as West Asia, Africa and Latin America.
In conclusion, in the new era, private military and security organizations will play a more important role, not only to ensure ROI at the commercial level, but also to ensure that the countless frontline workers working overseas can complete their missions and return home safely and smoothly.